Items stolen from Samoset soccer field concession stand

Friday

The concession stand at the soccer fields behind Samoset Middle School was broken into twice in recent weeks, with items stolen and damage caused that could cost more than $5,000.

According to police and Geoffrey Anthony, coaching director and board member for Leominster Youth Soccer, which uses the field, the first incident was reported Oct. 14 and the second was reported Oct. 20.

Referring to the first break-in, Anthony said, "Everyone was out of there by 7 p.m. [Oct. 13]. The police think they were waiting until everyone had left."

It was discovered the morning of Oct. 14 and reported to Leominster police.

"They actually damaged the garage door to the snack shack, so we made some temporary [repairs], hoping that would deter them," Anthony said. "But they came back Sunday night — the police presume Sunday night — and did even more damage."

According to Anthony and police, the people who broke into the concession stand stole food and drinks, some of which were found in a nearby gravel pit, a hot dog steamer, a couple of Keurig machines, an electric heater, a small fan, a ceramic hot table and a small refrigerator. There was damage to the gate to the fields and the garage door at the concession stand; Anthony said the garage door would have to be replaced. He said entry was made to the snack stand through the garage door.

"The damage, we think, is going to be in excess of $5,000," Anthony said.

An Oct. 23 posting on the Leominster Police Department Facebook page stated the fence around the soccer field was damaged to gain access to the trails in the woods. The post stated a Lakeview Drive area resident saw "two younger males, one white and the other darker skinned emerge out of the woods Monday around 3 p.m. pulling a dolly with a small fridge (or hot dog steamer) on it. The pair left the property and returned minutes later with a small, silver pick up truck, resembling a Toyota Tacoma."

According to Anthony, there was evidence someone tried to break into the concession stand a week before the first incident.

"We've had minor vandalism over the years," he said, "but nothing like this."

The Leominster Youth Soccer league, which serves about 600 local children, is considering security options such as motion detection lights, Anthony said.

Some parents and businesses have stepped up to offer help after the break-ins, he said.

Anyone with information about the break-ins is urged to call Leominster Police Detective Thomas Cuddahy at (978) 534-8419 or send an anonymous tip online at www.leominstercrimestoppers.com. A cash reward is available for tips that lead to arrests.

Donations to help repair the damage can be made by calling Anthony at (978) 534-0607 or visiting the soccer league website, www.leominsteryouthsoccer.com (click on "Make a Donation" on the left-hand side).

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